Seat-saving placards sat where real stars will be Sunday. Laura Linney, nominated for her lead role on "The Big C," and multiple nominee (and repeat winner) Jon Stewart both have aisle seats for easy stage access.

Poehler, a double nominee for producing and starring in "Parks and Recreation," went makeup-free for Saturday's rehearsal. Dressed casually in jeans, a button-down blouse, nude pumps and a ponytail, the actress jokingly presented an Emmy to Barack Obama, "for this rehearsal only."

When producers asked her to practice accepting an award for an absent winner, Poehler playfully admonished the fake winner: "(He) thought he was too special to come tonight," she said. "Bad move."

Poehler's husband Arnett, a fellow Emmy nominee for his guest starring role on "30 Rock," carried a coffee cup on stage before running through his lines with co-presenter Deschanel. He wore jeans, a T-shirt and a black jacket; she rocked a red sweater with a horse on it over skinny jeans and pumps. Together they retooled their presentation of the comedy series writing award.